Looking for a cool new hang out spot with your friends in KL? Make your way to The Zhongshan Building!
Situated on the corner of Jalan Rotan in Kampung Attap, this unassuming whitewashed building once housed the Selangor Zhongshan Association before it was converted into a treasure trove filled with indie bookstores, artisanal cafes, shops selling customized stationeries and locally made knick-knacks, and more.
P.S. Planning a brunch day out in KL? Check out these amazing halal cafes!
Retail shops
ana tomy
An award-winning bespoke journal and stationery atelier founded in 2016, ana tomy is the brainchild of The Alphabet Press. This beautiful studio specializes in crafting personalized notebooks, planners and leather goods, which make perfect gifts for your loved ones, as well as yourself.
Naiise
Here’s where you can find fun and quirky accessories, trendy garbs, creative prints, books, teabags and so much more. Headquartered in Singapore, Naiise offers a little bit of everything, from Otak-Otak Cushion to jewellery, as long as it’s nice (pun intended). If you’re looking for last-minute gift ideas and don’t want to resort to generic presents like gift vouchers, this artsy store is your best bet.
Tintabudi Bookstore
This independent bookstore is a cozy reading nook curated by owner, Nazir Harith and partner, Amir Kamil. Tintabudi Bookstore was initially founded in 2016 in Ipoh before it moved into Zhongshan the next year.
Specializing in books of humanities, literature, philosophy and such, this bookstore also acts as an independent publisher and sometimes hosts intimate reading groups.
Tandang Records Store
Miss the good old days of LP records and cassette tapes? Tandang Records Store stocks a wide variety of musical genres across CDs, cassettes, and vinyls—both new releases and secondhand—for music enthusiasts who still prefer physical records over streaming platforms.
Food and drinks
Tommy Le Baker
This artisanal boulangerie is where you can find one of the best sourdough breads in town. Tommy Le Baker is located in the building’s sunny courtyard, and the loaves here are freshly kneaded and baked on-site! From sourdough sandwich and tartines to little tidbits like financiers and madeleines, you’re in for a treat at this bakery haven!
Halal status: Muslim-friendly with ingredients sourced from halal suppliers.
Libraries & art exhibitions
Rumah Attap Library & Collective
A collaborative project between Ameteur, In Between Cultura and Au Sow Yee Studio, Rumah Attap Library & Collective is a minimalistic space with a large shelf of books where people can read, share ideas, learn and educate. The library is also a space for debate and discourse as they hold occasional workshops and forums where you’re invited to exchange thoughts regarding some pressing subject matters
Malaysia Design Archive
As the name suggests, Malaysia Design Archive is a space to trace and document Malaysia’s design legacy, and to create a resource of Malaysian art and design work. Almost every inch of the space is taken up by the archive of posters, photographs, stamps, documents and more, and there’s also a resource bookshelf on the history of art, design and architecture. On top of that, MDA also hosts reading groups, workshops and talks.
So, if you're looking for somewhere cool to hang out with friends or a new spot in KL, head over to The Zhongshan Building!
Address: Jalan Kampung Attap, 80 - 84, Jalan Rotan, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan
Direction: Hop off at Maharajalela Monorail station and walk for approximately 20 minutes or opt for Grab or other e-hailing service